“Yes, if you had the shame of a man in you, you’d not make a beast of yourself with liquor, and treat these poor stewards as if they were dogs,” said the jailer.

“Indeed, ye might learn a thing or two if ye was a politician like meself, and belonged to the secession party.  An’ if his honor the sheriff-for he’s a dacent man-knew ye’d be preachin’ in that shape, ye wouldn’t keep the jail f’nent the morning.  Be letting me out, and make much of the nigger; ye have him there.”

The jailer unlocked the door and allowed him to pass out, with a pertinent rebuke.  This was but a trifling affair in Dunn’s ear, for he knew his master’s feelings too well, and was backed by him in his most intolerable proceedings.  Returning to the office, he looked at the commitment, and then again at Manuel.  “This is a ’contrary to law’ case, I see, Mr. Manuel; you are a likely fellow too, to come within that,” said he.

“Yes.  If I understand him right, he’s a shipwrecked sailor, belonging to a foreign vessel that was driven in here in distress,” said the man.  “It’s a hard law that imprisons a colored seaman who comes here voluntarily; but it seems beyond all manner of precedent to imprison a shipwrecked man like this, especially when he seems so respectable.  There are no circumstances to warrant the enforcement of such a law.”  Thus saying, he left the jail.

Be it said of the jailer, to his honor, so far as personal kindness went, he did his utmost—­brought him water to wash himself, and gave him some clean clothes.  After which, he was registered upon the criminal calendar as follows:—­

“March 24, 1852.—­Manuel Peirire.—­[Committed by] Sheriff—­Sheriff.  Crime—­Contrary to law.”

Now the jailer had done his duty, so far as his feelings were concerned; but, such were the stern requirements of the law, and his functions so restricted by Mr. Grimshaw, that he dare not make distinctions.  He called Daley, one of the criminal assistants, and ordered him to show the prisoner his room.

“Here, my boy, take yer blanket,” said Daley; and throwing him a coarse, filthy-looking blanket, told him to roll it up and follow him.  “It’s on the second floor we’ll put ye, among the stewards; there’s a nice lot on ’em to keep yer company, and ye’ll have a jolly time, my boy.”  Manuel followed through the second iron door until he came to a large door secured with heavy bolts and bars, which Daley began to withdraw and unlock.  “Don’t be takin’ it amiss; it’s a right good crib, savin’ the’ bed, an’ it’s that’s the worst of it.  Bad luck to old Grimshaw, an’ himself thinks everybody’s bones be’s as tuf as his own,” said Daley, and threw open the heavy doors, sending forth those ominous prison sounds.  “All here?  Ah! yer a pretty set of lambs, as the British consul calls yees.  Have ye ever a drop to spare?” At this, three or four respectable-looking black men came to the door and greeted Manuel.  “Come,